2026 World Cup: Yusif Chibsah calls for quota system to boost local players in Black Stars call-ups

Former Asante Kotoko and Ghana midfielder Yussif Chibsah has urged football authorities to introduce a quota system to improve the assessment and inclusion of home-based players in the Black Stars.

His proposal comes amid ongoing debate over the representation of Ghana Premier League players in the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for this summer.

Speaking to Citi Sports, the former Ghana U-23 captain at the 2004 Athens Olympics said a structured quota approach would help ensure fair opportunities for locally based players.

“We cannot continue to ignore the Ghana Premier League players. There must be a quota system to ensure they are represented in the Black Stars,” he said.

Chibsah stressed that home-grown players must be given adequate chances to prove their worth, arguing that consistent exposure would benefit both player development and the domestic league.

“It’s about giving them opportunities to prove themselves. If you don’t provide the platform, how can we assess them at the highest level? We need to create a pathway to improve both the players and our local league,” he added.

Meanwhile, amid rising calls for greater inclusion of local talents, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has assured that players from the domestic league will be considered fairly, with selection based strictly on performance.

The Black Stars’ final squad for the World Cup is expected to be announced on June 1.